Reusable Packaging Education Forum

WASHINGTON-The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA, formerly the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition) will hold its 8th annual Education Forum, September 24-25 in Oakland, Calif.

The 2008 forum will bring together a diverse group of supply chain partners, policy makers, academics and industry leaders who will demonstrate and discuss the economic and environmental value of reusable packaging.

The Forum, "Choose Reusables! Driving Economic & Environmental Value with Reusable Packaging," is designed for top managers, executives, packaging engineers, material managers, supply chain directors, and other decision-makers who have either converted to reusable packaging systems or are interested in finding out more about the economic and environmental value of these systems.

Sponsored by RPA in cooperation with StopWaste.Org, the program will feature presentations by industry leaders from John Deere, Pepsico, General Motors, Toro, and Ghirardelli Chocolate who have used reusable packaging as a catalyst to optimize their supply chain productivity. Other speakers include policymakers and government leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency, supply chain experts, scientists, and economists-all highlighting the proven economic and environmental benefits of reusable packaging systems.

"Leaders from all sectors are coming together to network and share best practices of how to implement and maximize the return on investment of environmentally sustainable reusable packaging programs,"says Fred Heptinstall, RPA president, and president of IFCO RPC Management Services. "This is an excellent opportunity for end users who are interested in adopting more environmentally friendly practices or who want to maximize their existing efforts. Anyone who makes packaging decisions for their company will benefit from attending this Forum."

Other noted speakers include Victoria Reinhardt, commissioner of the Twin Cities Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board in Minnesota, who will give a keynote speech on "Driving Economic and Environmental Value with Reusable Packaging". Bill Franklin of Franklin Associates, known as "the father of Life Cycle Inventory", will discuss "The Science of Measuring Sustainability."

"Our broad base of members and thought leaders makes the RPA uniquely positioned to lead this Forum about the powerful intersection of economic benefits and environmental responsibility through reusable packaging systems," says Jeanie Johnson, executive director, RPA."The sessions will focus on practical and strategic applications of reusable transport packaging systems with the goal of increasing operational productivity while improving environmental sustainability measures and outcomes."

All packaging stakeholders-users, manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, academics, trade associations, public agencies, and consultants-and those interested in learning how reusable packaging can improve their business are invited to attend. The Forum will be held at the Waterfront Plaza on historic Jack London Square, one of Oakland's most identifiable landmarks. For more information on the conference agenda, fees, and registration, visit www.choosereusables.org.